TAIPEI, Taiwan, Aug. 17 (UPI) -- The Taiwanese government will fine a private zoo operator for cross-breeding a lion and a tiger, resulting in the birth of three liger cubs, an official says.

Wu Hsing-hao of the Department of Agriculture said the two surviving day-old liger cubs have been sent to a research institute in Pingtung, Taiwan's national news agency CNA reported Tuesday.

Animal rights groups have called for zoo operator Huang Kuo-nan to be severely punished for illegally cross breeding two species of protected animals.

They said fining Huang $313 to $1,565 under Taiwan's Wildlife Conservation Law amounts to a slap on the wrist.

Huang, known as "the snake king," operates a private zoo in Tainan County.

Earlier this month, animal welfare advocates accused him of selling live tigers and bears.